Winter/Spring 2011 - McDonell Area Catholic Schools

Chippewa Area
Catholic Schools
www.cacs.k12.wi.us
McDonell Central Catholic High
9-12
Notre Dame Middle
7-8
Holy Ghost Elementary
4-6
St. Charles Borromeo Primary
K-3, Childcare, 3Pre and BB4C
Katia (Horn) Hauser (class of 1993) was featured in
the Chippewa Falls daily newspaper, the Chippewa
Herald, in May of 2010. Thank you to Mark Gunderman
for his permission to run this edited version of his
article. We not only feature an alumna of McDonell,
but to witness the wonderful blessings her daughter
Annaliese has brought and will continue to bring
to many around the world because she is with us.
By MARK GUNDERMAN | mark.gunderman@lee.net
Katia Hauser has a beautiful 10-year-old daughter.
From a contagious smile on a face topped with pretty
brown hair, to the bottom of her feet, where she has
a little extra gap between her big toe and second toe,
Annaliese is a beautiful little girl.
Now, because of Katia’s love for her daughter and long
desire for a symbol to show support for her, Annaliese’s
slightly unusual footprint is on the verge of becoming
known around the world.
The symbol could well be on a great
many presents across the country.
“Annaliese will walk up to people, hold up
her foot and say, ‘I have a Down Syndrome
Footprint!’” Katia said, describing
Annaliese understanding that there is
something special about her footprint.
A logo representing it is appearing on
clothing items, car magnets, coffee cups
and in many other places.
Down Syndrome Footprint is a two-year
old business, with a companion non-profit
foundation, that is in the early stages of
sweeping the nationwide network of
people who support individuals with Down syndrome.
And it, like Annaliese, was born right here in Chippewa
Falls.
Decision for life
When Annaliese was born, the doctor went over some
of the physical markers of people with Down syndrome,
most of them well known.
Katia wasn’t aware of one of them, though. Many
people with Down syndrome (not all) have a gap
between the big toe and first toe.
While that was news to Katia, the fact that her baby
would be born with Down syndrome was not. Pre-natal
tests can determine first the risk factor, then confirm
whether the child has the genetic defect, long before
birth.
Down syndrome births today are only a fraction
of what they were a generation or two ago, as most
Mack
QUALITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
EDUCATION SINCE 1882
Messenger
www.cacs.k12.wi.us
News For McDonell Alumni, Chippewa Area Catholic Schools and Friends
Winter/spring 2011
Daughter with Down syndrome inspires alumna’s business
mothers opt for termination.
Katia and Mike Hauser had the testing, so
they could be prepared. “It didn’t matter for
me, because I was going to have Annaliese
either way,” Katia said. “Mike was very
supportive.
“It was just a life thing for me. I just believed
she would be a wonderful child regardless,”
Katia said. “I also believe we deal with what
we’re given.”
Still, no parent initially wants their child to
be born with Down syndrome or any other
special needs.
“We were both really sad about it. There was
a lot of grieving. It’s almost like the death of
your dreams, because you want the perfect
child,” Katia said.
But eventually comes the realization that
there is no perfect child, and they all
present different degrees of challenges and
joys.
Annaliese had a hard time of it, though.
She wasn’t thriving and had to be tube-fed
at first, and had surgery to repair a hole in
her heart at three and a half months.
Beautiful child
Like other children with Down syndrome,
Annaliese hit her benchmarks late. From
eating solid foods to walking and talking,
she was a little behind. While she was
growing up and learning, her brothers were
born. Maxwell is now seven and Nathaniel six.
Katia has stayed home to raise them, though she has
a business degree. Mike, an MBA, works in chemical
engineering at HTI.
Yes, there are challenges with a child with Down
syndrome, but the same joys of parenthood are there.
“Annaliese is beautiful, determined, spunky, loving
“Down syndrome has taught us
to appreciate love, family, health, faith
and community. “
- Katia (Horn) Hauser ‘93
and has the most contagious smile that you could ever
see,” Katia said. “Down syndrome or not, she is the joy of
our life and at the end of the day always brings us back
to what is important and real. Instead of the cultural
continue to page 3
Heart & Sole
A Down Syndrome Footprint Race
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Northern WI State Fairgrounds
Chippewa Falls, WI
10K, 5K and 1 mile family fun run
*10k & 5K are chip timed
Prizes, fun, and refreshments!
For more information
and to pre-register:
www.heartandsoleDS.webs.com
United in
Faith
and Mission
The Down Syndrome Footprint Foundation is
putting on a Heart and Sole 5k,10k, and Family 1 Mile
Fun Run on June 4th at the Northern Wisconsin Sate
Fairgrounds and everyone is invited to participate!
Message from Annaliese
Annaliese says, she is 10 years old and in the third
grade at Parkview School in Chippewa Falls.
What makes her happy? She loves CHOCOLATE,
dancing, singing, Taylor Swift, Hannah Montana,
ICarly, family and friends.
What makes her sad? When people don’t want to
play with her or make fun of her.
What her brothers have to say about her? She is
super silly and giggles a lot, she’s a princess, she’s
REALLY REALLY bossy.
As Annaliese’s mom and an advocate for all
people with Down syndrome, Katia says, “I want
people to continue to learn more about Down
syndrome, see the abilities that individuals with
Down syndrome have, and accept them into our
community completely and wholeheartedly.
To those who would like to volunteer or participate
in support on the day of the race, contact Katia
Hauser at: katia@downsyndromefootprint.org
“Thank you all so much for joining us in the Race and
Fun Run and being a part of the Down Syndrome
Footprint Foundation!” - Katia Horn Hauser ‘93

2 All School News
CACS, stronger then ever before
In looking over the past Annual Reports, we can reflect
upon the challenges which each year brought for the
Chippewa Area Catholic Schools (CACS). While these
challenges and changes may have tested the patience
of even the most devoted of parents and benefactors,
we also need to take note of the fact; CACS has become
even better in these difficult times. “McDonell Central
Catholic High School has earned a place…on the Catholic
High School Honor Roll, the best 50 Catholic secondary
schools in the United States for 2007, 2008 and 2009!”, the
expansion of the use of technology in the schools, a strong
sports program with the “2009-2010” being an outstanding
year for the McDonell MACKS. Wisconsin Sports Network
rated us #3 in the State of Wisconsin for small schools and
19th for the entire public and private schools in the state.”
The list of achievements goes on and on.
Most importantly, we are proud of a growing Catholic
identity in the schools. With Br. Roger Betzold now
serving as President and Principal for CACS and McDonell,
respectively, we have experience in someone who has
served in that same capacity in the past. As a brother, in
the order of the Christian Brothers, we link the present
Junior Sonny Amelse
awarded Eagle Merit Badge
Theodore (Sonny) Amelse is a junior at McDonell Central Catholic High School. This
past summer he completed his Eagle Merit Badge the highest rank in the Boy Scouts.
Sonny, along the road to Eagle, completed many requirements along with his Eagle
Project. With the assistance of Peggy Nehring and Skip August, Sonny decided to
build three oak book cases for the McDonell library, and two storage boxes for the
auditorium. Fellow scouts and volunteers under the direction of Sonny completed
the project last spring and a Boy Scout Eagle Court of Honor was held in May of 2010.
Sonny has many fond memories through his years of scouting from many outings,
canoeing, Camp Phillips and high adventure camping at Sea Base in Key West, FL.
Sonny is a scout in Troop 13 of Chippewa Falls and the son of Sherry and Ted (class
of 72) Amelse.
Congratulations and thank you Sonny!
Right: Media and Technology Coordinator for the Chippewa Area Catholic
Schools Mrs. Peggy Nehring, shakes hands with Junior Sonny Amelse, while
thanking him for his donation to the school and congratulating him on his
hard work earning the Eagle Merit Badge.
The Mack Messenger is published three times a year by the
Chippewa Area Catholic Schools. Any comments or
questions should be directed to: Chippewa Area Catholic
Schools, Development Office, 1316 Bel Air Boulevard,
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 TEL: (715) 723-0538
EML: MackMessenger@cacs.k12.wi.us
Very Rev. Donald J. Bauer, Dean of the Chippewa Falls Deanery
Jenny Schafer, Director of Development
Cathy Greenseth, Director of Public Relations | Graphic
Design | Photographer.
to the past as we remember the times
when the Christian Brothers filled the
rooms as staff. Surveys distributed most
recently indicate the strong confidence
which parents have in CACS and would
recommend CACS to other parents
and their children. Perhaps these same
parents should receive the credit for
an increasing enrollment in the very
lowest of grades. Parents are the best of
advertisers and we hope they continue
to encourage others to bring their children to CACS.
Some of these same parents serve on the Education
Commission. Over the recent years, the Education
Commission has been filled with members whose
professional education or technical background have
become invaluable. They have identified areas within
CACS in need of attention in order to provide continued
positive growth.
As you recall, a few very generous donors have also
gifted CACS. But, all of these larger contributions are in the
form of restricted funds and can only be used for specific
From the Chippewa Falls Dean
Very Rev. Donald Bauer
purposes or in the form of endowments
such that only the interest is available for
use. Unfortunately, there is the struggle for
meeting day-to-day operations. We need to
increase our third party income. The three
areas of income we rely on are:
1. Tuition
2. Parish Subsidy
3. Third party income
Considering all the positives that have been
said, we ask that you continue your support of
CACS. If you are not at present a contributor, we ask that
you contact Jenny Schafer, CACS Director of Development
at 715.723.0538 ext. 3306 to consider your giving options.
Please become a part of the success of the Chippewa Area
Catholic Schools.
Yours in Christ,
Very Rev. Donald Bauer, V.F.
Chippewa Area Catholic Schools Dean
McDonell school building closed for upgrades
June 20 - 24, 2011
McDonell High School will be closed the week of June 20 - 24, 2011 for plumbing and electrical upgrades.
Please plan on periodical electrical shut downs over the summer months for this maintenance project.
Thank you for your understanding!

Alumni Spotlight
Katia (Horn) Hauser ‘93
continued from page 1
focus on materialism and so-called beauty that we so
easily could get caught up in, we have been taught that
in the big picture it doesn’t really matter.
Katia states, “What does matter is that Down syndrome
has taught us to appreciate love, family, health, faith and
community. Because of the exposure to a world that we
may not have initially wanted or chosen, each member
of our family has been made a better person because of
Annaliese and Down syndrome, and we appreciate our
blessings.”
Supporting symbol
Katia was looking for a Down syndrome awareness
idea — something she could display to show she is the
proud and loving mother of a child with Down syndrome.
All she could find was a blue and yellow ribbon that,
frankly, few people know about.
“No one ever asked me what my blue and yellow
ribbon was for,” Katia said.
One day talking
about it, Mike asked
what she thought of
when she thought
of Annaliese.
“I remembered
her footprint. Mike
thought of that,
too.” Katia had her sister make her a window decal of a
footprint with an exaggerated gap between the toes.
She put Annaliese’s name on it.
That’s when people started to ask. They asked about
the gap and learned something about Down syndrome.
Word spread, and they started to get requests for similar
items.
“We put up some stuff on the Internet and we had
people sending us pictures of their children’s feet,” Katia
said.
Research revealed that they had the first symbol for
Down syndrome, nationally and internationally, that was
not an awareness ribbon.
Sensing they were on to something, they spoke
with Eau Claire attorney Tony Bourget, a specialist
in intellectual property rights. They locked up the
trademark and started plans for a product line.
A business is born
It isn’t just about making
money, though. It’s about
awareness, empowerment
and opportunities for people
with Down syndrome.
As they developed
products, they sought out
supply and packaging chains
that involved Down syndrome
workers.
Locally, Chippewa River
Industries does packaging
and some production work.
They will soon do a lot more,
once they install their screen
printing machine to do the
clothing items. Katia said
CRI deliberately assigns
employees with Down syndrome to the work.
Katia has been going to Down syndrome awareness
walks and selling the merchandise and getting
incredible response. In larger metropolitan areas,
a Down syndrome support organization often puts
together “new Mom” baskets for women who have just
given birth to a child with Down syndrome. Katia has
been getting requests for items for such baskets.
Traffic at www.DownSyndromeFootprint.org is
increasing and so are orders. The company was honored
with the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award by the
Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation
in May of 2010.
Katia will have a booth at a national convention of
Down syndrome support people in Florida, with as many
as 3,000 expected to attend.
People at that convention will carry the items back to
Down syndrome families all over the country, awareness
of the web site will spread, and the Down Syndrome
Footprint will begin a march across America.
The non-profit company, governed by a board of
directors of seven people, is planning support and
awareness campaigns, including a Down Syndrome
Footprint billboard in every state. It is funded by
proceeds from sales of the for-profit company.
Keep in Touch!
Alumni News 3
photo by Mark Gunderman
Annaliese and her mom, alumna Katia (Horn) Hauser ‘93, show off their Down
syndrome awareness t-shirts.
For love of Annaliese
Annaliese is aware that these clothing, car magnet
and other items came from her footprint, but she has no
conception of the scope it is starting to take on. Maxwell,
though, talks about him and Annaliese running the
company someday.
Only time will tell on that. But the point of all of this
has been to support Annaliese and people like her.
As production and packaging of the products grow, so
will employment opportunities. And the widespread use
of the symbol will show support for employing people
with Down syndrome nationwide.
“We hope through Down Syndrome Footprint the
world will have greater awareness and appreciation for
these individuals and realize the many ways that we are
more alike than different,” Katia said.
The proof is in Katia’s own family. She has three
children. They are all beautiful.
Copyright 2011 Chippewa.com. All rights reserved.
The graduation Mack Messenger Issue will be coming
out late summer. Featured Alumni Spotlight will be
Mike and Annie Coughlin’s daughter Shelley Coughlin
class of 2007 and her experience as a VIDA volunteer.
Do you have a new address? Have you recently won an award? Do you have an interesting job?
We want to hear from you! Send your information to MackMessenger@cacs.k12.wi.us or to the Director of
Development Jenny Schafer.
You can find news on McDonell Alumni on the internet at: www.cacs.k12.wi.us/alumni or on Facebook.
Search McDonell Central Catholic High School and the Chippewa Area Catholic Schools.

4 McDonell News
Four McDonell students will be part of Badger Boys, Girls State
Sonny Amelse
Collin Meinen
Tricia Heidtke Ann Kuehl
Junior Achievement Business State
Competition - McDonell team awarded
The McDonell Junior Achievement (JA) team consisting of Juniors Sonny Amelse, Paul Buchmann and Adam Deetz,
competed on April 14, 2011 at the JA Business Simulation district level in Eau Claire resulting in a second place finish.
Their team was mentored by Ron Bakken and sponsored by State Farm Insurance.
The team went on to state competition on March 8th against 27 teams in Sheboygon. The team members, without a
mentor at this level, each came home with a $100 Kohls gift card and a 5th place finish! Great job team!
Left: Ron Bakken,
mentor for the
team, looks over
the shoulders of the
McDonell JA business
team members from
left: Paul Buchmann,
Sonny Amelse and
Adam Deetz.
The team placed second
at district and went on
to finish fifth in state
competition.
Four McDonell Central Catholic juniors have been
selected to attend Badger Boys State and Badger Girls
State events in June.
Sonny Amelse and Collin Meinen will attend Badger
Boys State June 11-18, 2011 held at Ripon College.
Tricia Heidtke and Ann Kuehl will attend Badger Girls
State June 19-24, 2011 at the University of Wisconsin
Oshkosh. Local American Legion Posts serve as the
clearing center for sponsoring delegates to these events.
Badger Boys State is a program for individuals who are
well adjusted and good students who display qualities of
leadership in their school.
Badger Girls State is designed for students
interested in the study of government and citizenship.
Boys and girls are selected by high school staff based on
qualities of scholarship and leadership.
Winner from the 2011 Pi
Day Competition
Students in Tony Reiter’s class memorize the numbers in
Pi. The winner this year was Adam Deetz memorizing 61
digits! Congratulations Adam.
Physics News
Senior Hannah Swoboda with an image of her
Beef Broth can, takes the soup can race.
The Soup Can Race
The students race a soup can down an inclined plane
with Mr. Reiter as the official referee. The winner was
Senior Hannah Swoboda with her can of Beef Broth.
The 22nd Annual Physics Cup
The objective is to build the lightest boat that can
support the most weight. This years’ winner once
again . . . Hannah Swoboda. WAY TO GO HANNAH!

Message from the
CACS President and Principal
Notre Dame Middle School and
McDonell Central Catholic High School
Christian Brother Roger Betzold
Dear Families and Friends,
There are a lot of exciting things happening
in the CACS Community. CACS is now debt free!
Special thank you to St. Charles Borromeo, Notre
Dame and Holy Ghost Parishes and Pastors for their
support of the “We Belong to Christ” campaign.
The pastors and parishes agreed to help pay off
the CACS debt of over $600,000 through proceeds
of the campaign. We received a letter from the
Diocese ending the debt. Thank you to ALL who
contributed, we appreciate your support!
We recently finished the North Central
accreditation process. It is now called AdvancED.
This is the process whereby our schools are
evaluated and then accredited by an outside
professional evaluation team. AdvancEd is
a voluntary professional organization that
accredits schools in about 2/3 of the United
States. The internal evaluation team was chaired
by Chris Cook (Class of 1971) who directs our
Early Childcare program at St. Charles Borromeo
Primary. The process renews the staff’s interest
in curriculum and instruction and helps us to set
new goals and evaluate what we are currently
doing in our schools. With the process completed
we wait to hear results. We will set a new vision
for the future and revise our curriculum according
to state and national standards. The process is
intense and time consuming but well worth the
effort to renew our schools.
Regis High School and McDonell have a long
standing cooperative relationship in Hockey
and Soccer. Over the next few months we will
be expanding that cooperative effort to include
a new international program with Cambridge
Institute. We will accept between 5 and 10
international students from China for the 2011-12
school year and beyond. Denise Boos (Class of
1984) will coordinate the program for McDonell
Mary (Wermund) Jacobson ‘78
Awarded “2011 Unsung Hero”
The Chippewa Area Catholic Schools President and Principal
of McDonell Central Catholic High School Brother Roger
Betzold, awarded Mary Wermund Jacobson ‘78, the Unsung
Hero Award, on May 4th at the Excellence in Education Banquet
at Avalon. Br. Roger states, “I thank Mary for her years of
tireless volunteer service and dedication not only to the
Catholic school system but to the students. We appreciate your
devotion and look forward to the greater accomplishments of
the student ambassador program with your excellent example
of Christ, shown through each of them by servicing others.”
Go to the alumni page of our website to read Brother’s full
message. (www.cacs.k12.wi.us/alumni_2.html)
and Regis.
This exchange
program will bring McDonell many cultural
possibilities and add to our high school
enrollment. We are currently looking for host
families with this program paying $600 a month
to the families.
The Chippewa Area Catholic Schools have
begun to work toward becoming a Total Wellness
School System. This encompasses a wide range of
initiatives, from brain based teaching techniques
to healthy hearts. Included in Phase One of
the wellness initiative is nutrition. We have
implemented the pilot program at McDonell with
our school lunches this year. More about this
program to be announced.
There are also a number of building projects
that I would like to mention:
1. This spring, broadband connections at Holy
Ghost and St. Charles.
2. New electrical panels at McDonell.
3. New CACS System server with state of the art
operational programs for Microsoft.
4. New outside lighting at McDonell.
5. New phone system at McDonell using a
broadband system through CESA 10 (the City of
Chippewa Falls, Public Schools, Fire and Police
department are on this system.) This is just a small
sample of the facility upgrades.
There is a lot to be thankful for at CACS. I
am thankful for the support of our pastors
and parishes, generous alumni and friends, a
very good community of staff and teachers,
families truly committed to our schools
and the education of their children and a
great group of young men and women to
work with.
Yours in Christ,
Br. Roger Betzold, President-Principal
Mary Jacobson ‘78 accepts the
2011 Unsung Hero award from
Brother Roger Betzold.
Excellence in Education
The Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce 26th Annual
Excellence in Education Banquet was held at Avalon on
Wednesday, May 4th. The banquet recognized the academic top
5% of the 2011 senior class and their most influential teacher.
Congratulations to the McDonell Central Catholic parents, their
seniors and teachers being honored.
Senior Amanda Bohl with her parents on the right, Sue and
Fred Bohl, and most influential teacher, retired teacher from
St. Peter Catholic School, Cathy Bohl on left.
Senior Kiersten Brown with her mother, Heidi Liedl, left and
her most influential teacher, retired McDonell teacher
Kathleen Welsh and Kiersten’s father Todd Brown.
Senior Mallory Kopp with her father Ian Kopp on the left, her
most influential teacher, Notre Dame Middle School teacher
Alice Butler and on the right, her mother Jenna Schafer ‘88.
Senior David Plendl with his parents on the right, Ann and
Steve Plendl and on the left, his most influential teacher
McDonell teacher Steve Roesler.

6 McDonell Sports News
Volleyball
By Headcoach Kat Roesler ‘03
McDonell volleyball had yet another
successful season. We once again had
three teams that were able to compete.
The C Team, coached by Luke Heidtke
‘09, was a very young team. They have
improved tremendously since the
beginning of fall! The JV Team, coached
by Steve Roesler, also improved much
throughout the season. It’s rewarding to
see athletes get better on a day to day
basis.
The varsity team was again very
successful in the win/ loss column. We
ended the season with a record of 40-
7, winning the Aquinas Tournament,
DJR Tournament, and the Newman
Tournament. We won our second straight
Regional and Sectional Championship
which sent us to the State Tournament
again! Unfortunately we had a tough go
around at State as we faced the number
one team in the state in Highland. We had
a bad case of nerves that we overcame a
little too late. We are proud of the way
that we fought until the end of the match
and played for each other!
Thank you for all the support throughout
the season from near and far!
McDonell Central Catholic High School “MACKS”
Sports Season Summaries
Soccer
By Headcoach Tim Jennemen
Co-op team of McDonell-Regis is well
represented.
Will Schifeling was the State’s fifth
leading scorer, Regis; Steve Holfacker was
the State’s sixth best goalie.
First Team - was Will Schifeling also by
unanimous vote, Player of the Year,
Aaron Schroeder and Steve Holfacker, all
from Regis.
Second Team - Ben Theisen and Steve
Hehli from Regis and Honorable Mention
Sam Kitzberger, Regis and Freshman
Grant Pulver, McDonell.
Cross Country Summary
By Headcoach Marty Bushland
The 2010 McDonell Cross Country
Program was definitely in a rebuilding
phase after losing 12 student athletes to
graduation and only returning three boys
and three girls from the 2009 teams.
The girl’s squad returned their top
three. Seniors Megan Pulver and Amy Bye
combined for 11 Top Ten finishes with
both earning All-Conference Honors.
Megan ended her cross country career
with a lifetime best time of 16:21 in the
Sectional, missing a trip to the State Meet
by one place! Sophomore Lexi Raihle ran
to All-Conference Honors and finished her
season with a lifetime best time of 16:54
and second place team finish. Seven
newcomers made up the rest of the team
with all having ran in our top seven at
least once throughout the season. As a
team, the Lady Macks went 75-31 with an
Invitational win at Stanley and eight Top
Five finishes including 5th at the 16 Team
Cloverbelt Conference Championships.
The boy’s program graduated their top
five scorers from the 2009 team. Our top
returner, Dakota Larson, was not cleared
by doctors to compete. That left Junior
Mike Ruf as the only returner with varsity
experience. Mike did an outstanding
job as a runner and team leader of 11
new runners. He dropped his time to
18:16 and ran to All-Conference Honors.
McDonell Athletic Booster Club 2010-11 Officers
e-mail: mcdathbooster@cacs.k12.wi.us
Athletic Director: Archie Sherbinow
Nick Zander led with a phenomenal
frosh season running #1 throughout the
season placing 5th at Conference and 9th
at Sectionals running 17:18, just a spot
away from State. Fellow classmates, Grant
Pulver and Matt Steiger also made a great
impact helping the team to a third place
Conference Finish – just 10 points from
Conference Runner-up. The remaining
team members made great improvements
throughout the season and were and
will be a huge factor in the continued
success of McDonell Cross Country.
Equestrian
Headcoach is Kelly Forester
The second year for the Chi-Hi-McDonell
formed Equestrian co-op. McDonell
senior Chelsea Zwiefelhofer is pictured
with her horse just before competition.
She showed in all three shows, followed
by the State competition. Chelsea
rode in jumping, the key race, barrels,
poles, English equitation and English
showmanship.
Boys Hockey
By Headcoach Guy Brown
The 2010-11 McDonell - Bloomer - Regis
boys hockey program is in the books
finishing with a record of 6-18-1, while
making it into the second round of
playoffs - both of which are milestones.
The team was on the doorstep (in what
seemed to be every game) by being
involved in four overtime games and five
one-goal losses. Anchored by seniors
Zach Elstran (McDonell), Marco Ortiz,
Zach Elstran
and Gage Theisen, the hockey team was
not only very competitive but showed
promise for future success with 13 of the
16 man roster returning in 2011-12. Lead
by Jake Zwiefelhofer of Bloomer the only
senior on next year’s roster the team has
time on its side to mature and improve
while also looking forward to another
strong incoming freshmen class.
I couldn’t be more proud to represent
these three schools and communities
as we all look forward to the upcoming
season.
Basketball Girls
By Headcoach Shannon Tanzer
I am excited to say that this season was
one of the McDonell girls most successful
seasons in a long time. We finished the
season with a 12-13 record. This season
posted the most wins for the McDonell
girl’s basketball program in a decade,
something for our girls to be proud
of! We also won two playoff games
and ended one game shy of a Regional
Championship! One of our most exciting
wins was at Alma-Pepin, where we won
on the road by three points! It was a total
team effort and was an exciting step for
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Jason Hiess ‘84
Brian Shufelt
Jennifer Gardow ‘88
Jon Theisen ‘86

SPORTS SUMMARY continued from page 6
our girl’s basketball program. This
year we will lose two seniors to
graduation: Ari Gardow and Amy
Bye. We are sad to say goodbye to
two outstanding women and wish
them well as they continue their
education! Ari has been a three
year starter and we will miss her
presence on the floor next year.
Amy has been a great addition to
this team and her work ethic and
positive attitude we will miss.
With that said, we are very
Cloverbelt Scholar-Athletes Recognized for 2010-11
McDonell seniors Megan
Pulver and Sam Rubenzer
were both awarded
with the Excellence in
Scholarship and Athletics
Award.
Both the students and
their parents attended a
banquet at Spencer High
School in Spencer, WI on
Monday, March 14th.
They received a certificate
of achievement and
medal for excelling
in academics while
succeeding in athletics.
Megan Pulver
The 21st Annual Golf Scramble will be held on
Saturday, May 21st at Timber Terrace Golf Course.
Following the golf competition will be a great
dinner and banquet at the KC Hall.
We are looking for more participants this year.
excited to return a great many
players to the program next year.
Next year’s seniors with varsity
experience: Sarah Schoch, Jade
Sharpe, Ellen McIlquham, Tracy
Bates, Cassie Ortmann and Kathryn
Wenaas. Each will make excellent
leaders for our returning letter
winners Gabby Geissler, Lexi Raihle
and Jalen Knowlton and for our
returning JV players and incoming
freshmen.
We look forward to breaking
Congratulations!
Having fun at last year’s event are Kevin Stevens,
Al Stevens, Steve Rubenzer, Bill Eystad, Dan Liddell,
and Tom Huffcutt
Sam Rubenzer
So come on out. A hole in one could get you a
new car!
Call 715.726.1500 for tee time.
new records and competing with
the top teams in the Western
Cloverbelt Conference!
Thank you to all of the parents,
players and fans that showed us
their support during the season!
We hope to see you all next year!!
21st Annual Golf Scramble - May 21st
The winning teams last year and
the teams to beat this year are:
Mixed Couples: Andy Meade, Sue Meade '67,
Lexy Meade and Steve Horan '76
Seniors: Dick Marquie '53, Frank Falkner,
Homer Peloquin '52, Jim Bembnister '46 and
Fred Crosby
Mens: Dan Hunt '75, Al DeRusha '75,
Jeff Hurt '77 and Nick Lyberg
McDonell Sports and Alumni News 7
“Spirit of the Macks”
21st ANNUAL SILENT
LIVE AUCTION
Saturday, October 8, 2011
at 6:30 P.M.
McDonell Central Catholic High School
Commons & Gym
We are once again working hard on preparing for
the annual Silent/Live Auction. The McDonell Athletic
Booster Club is asking for your help to make our 21st
year a huge success! First, we would love for you to
attend the auction as it’s the perfect time to mingle
with old friends and new while bidding on great
merchandise. Second, maybe you would like to make
a donation to the auction? It takes $65,000 dollars
to run all the sports programs at McDonell, well
worth the investment as evidenced by our successful
2010/11 sports season. One third of that amount
is raised through the Silent/Live Auction due to
generous donations from individuals and businesses
throughout the Chippewa Valley and beyond. If you
are interested in donating to the auction on behalf of
a business, a graduating class, a deceased loved one or
yourself, please contact:
Brian & Kara Heidtke 715-726-1721(Home) email
heidtke@charter.net or
Todd & Debbie Schemenauer 715-288-6035 (Home) or
715-726-4614 (Work) email tdschem@charter.net
Macks Volleyball
Receives Sportsmanship Award
McDonell’s 2010 volleyball state qualifying team
received the fall honorable mention Sportsmanship
Award at the state volleyball games.
This award is determined by the conduct and
sportsmanship displayed by athletes, coaches, cheers
and support groups, mascots, bands and spectators.
Additionally, consideration is given for the effort of
school administrators and chaperones to insure support
for their teams are positive and that the highest ideals of
sportsmanship are upheld.

8 McDonell Fine Arts
Successful State Trip for the Forensics Team
CACS Music Booster Officers
SECRETARY:
TREASURER:
Annie Coughlin
Jean Anders
photos by: Yearbook Staff
Forensic members gather to practice in their advisor’s, Jean
Wacker’s, classroom. In front kneeling is Lindsay Pomietlo, Bev Wild.
Middle Row: Rose Buchmann, Jeanne Kuehl, Tricia Heidtke, Beth
Jacobson, Abby Wild and Ann Kuehl. Back Row: Ariel Calo, Shannon
Globensky, Jerry Anders, Tommy Rocque, John Polus, Sonny Amelse,
Collin Meinen, Paul Buchmann and Al Urbonus.
“It was a dark and stormy night...” How
appropriate for the forensics team’s trip to
the state competition. While the weather
was rainy and cold (and dark!) it did nothing
to dampen the spirits or the success of the
team.
Twenty-one students made the trip to
Madison, lead by senior Angie Reiter, who
made her fourth trip to state. Students
participated in one round of competition
before one judge, so there was little room
for error. In order to medal, performances
needed to receive a rating of 20-25 point
out of a possible 25 points. All the McDonell
participants came home with a medal.
Thank you to Mrs. Jean Wacker advisor and
Mrs. Peggy Nehring for judging.
Medal Results:
Farrago
Ann Kuehl - Gold medal, 25 points
Prose
Beth Jacobson - Silver medal, 24 points
Public Address
Angie Reiter - Bronze medal, 21 points
Tommy Rocque - Bronze medal, 22 points
Group Interpretation
Shannon Globensky, Rose Buchmann,
Christi Bohl - Silver medal, 23 points
Group Play Acting
Sonny Amelse, Paul Buchmann, Al Urbonus,
Shelly Sarauer - Gold medal, 25 points
Bev Wild, Lindsey Pomietlo, Jeanne Kuehl,
Ariel Calo, Collin Meinen - Silver medal,
23 points
Abby Wild, Clare Schoch, John Polus, Tricia
Heidtke, Jerry Anders - Bronze medal,
20 points.
ART:
MUSIC:
FORENSICS:
Check out the Fine Arts
Programs on our website
www.cacs.k12.wi.us
L to R:
Abby Wild,
Clare Schoch,
Tricia Heidtke
and Jerry Anders
practice their
Forensic piece.
Dorian Choral Music Festival
McDonell High School students Amy Bye, David Plendl, April Sloan, and Brittany Steiger
took part in the Dorian Choral Music Festival January 10-11, 2011. Dorian takes place in
Decorah, IA at Luther College, home of one of the outstanding choral music facilities in
the nation. Students were able to rehearse under members of this exceptional group
of choral music educators and take in concerts featuring the Luther College Choirs
and winners of the vocal solo competition held onsite. The event culminated with a
performance that featured our McDonell students as members of a choir numbering
over 1300. This was the 61st annual concert which included pieces for Mass choir as well
as separated men’s and women’s pieces.
The 28th Annual All-Conference Band and Choir Music
Festival GRAND CONCERT
On Saturday, January 15th, the best musicians throughout the Cloverbelt Conference
met at Owen-Withee High School to take part in the All-Conference Honor Band and
Choir Music Festival. During the day, students worked diligently to prepare a concert
that took place at 6:00 p.m. that evening which included a variety of challenging and
educational music.
The McDonell choir members Amy Bye, Morgan Clegg, Eniko Dros, Jacob Eslinger,
David Plendl, April Sloan, Brittany Steiger, and Algirdas Urbonas worked under the
direction of Mr. Richard Tiller, retired band director at Osseo-Fairchild. The band
rehearsed and performed under the baton of Dr. Robert Demaree from UW-Platteville.
McDonell students participating in the band were Michael Alberts, Paul Buchmann,
Kyle Greenseth, Brianna Krause and Angie Reiter. The concert was a success, with both
groups performing difficult repertoire at a high level.
Fine Arts and Music Departments
Julie Pomeitlo, Eric Wedemeyer ‘92 and student teacher Dominique Carlson
Band, Joe Hartson and Choir, Emily Klotz
Jean Wacker

Development and Alumni Relations
jenniferschafer@cacs.k12.wi.us • 715.723.0538
What a glorious world we live in! The snow has finally
melted and the grass is turning green. Spring is such a
beautiful time of the year – to see the renewal of life all
around us as the flowers and trees begin to bloom is a
beautiful reminder of God’s never ending love for us.
God does not make mistakes and it is no coincidence
that we celebrate this most Holy season of Lent during
the spring. We as Catholics and Christians are renewing
our faith as the earth renews its resources. We are
blessed indeed with these wonderful gifts from Him!
We are full swing into our spring Student Tuition
Assistance Fund phone-a-thon and fundraiser – One
Day. We have seen, over and over again, the difference
that one person can make. One smile at a stranger can
make his or her day, one extra prayer for a friend in need
can feel empowering, one moment to offer a helping
hand can make a huge impact, One Man dying on the
cross saved us all from our sins, and One Day of Catholic
education can make a difference in the life of a child.
Where is Waldo? (aka your classmates)
Please help us find these classmates:
Please help us grow our Student
Tuition Assistance Fund. A gift
of $25 will provide one day of
education for a student at the
Chippewa Area Catholic Schools.
Did you know:
• 95% of our graduates on
average go on to higher education
or the military
• 90% of our students take the ACT, with an average
score of 23.4 in 2010 (national average is 21.1)
• We offer 14 different Advanced Placement courses
in addition to three of our courses are eligible for a total
of nine college credits at Viterbo College
It is our philosophy that a Catholic education must be
affordable for all. Approximately 30% of our families for
the 2010/2011 school year received over $175,000 worth
of tuition assistance. With the state of our economy we
have more requests than ever – we need your help to
Elaine Lemay ’39 Barbara McCumber ’79 Rachel Johnson ‘01
Elaine Matott ’39 Nancy Meinen ’84 Nicholas Stephenson ‘01
Marjorie McPhail Clements ’45 Diane Weimert ’86 Jacqueline Dachel ‘02
Ethel Mayer ’50 Michelle Fouts ’95 Melissa Krause ‘02
Roxana Robarge Simon ’52 Jennifer Bohl ’96 Nicole Woodcock ‘03
Marie Butak Hudson ’51 Andrea Crapisi ’97 Nicole Dachel ‘04
Mary Jane Peterson Sturz ’61 Heather Cunningham ’97 Christopher Spiegel ‘05
Keith Plombon ’63 Kiley Klemish ’98 Stephanie Polus ‘06
Pam Gartman ’75 Bethany Calkins ’01 Tyler Rykal ‘07
Please contact your classmates and let them know we are looking for them. We want to keep in
touch with our alumni. E-mail address changes to mackmessenger@cacs.k12.wi.us or drop a note
to Jenny Schafer in the development office at 1316 Bel Air Blvd, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
Special Projects That Need Special Help From SPECIAL People - YOU!
We have two projects planned that need additional donations. Please prayerfully consider making
a donation to either of these projects. Your support is greatly appreciated. For questions contact
Director of Development Jenny Schafer or President Brother Roger Betzold at 715.723.0538.
Project Number One: Handicap Accessible Bathrooms at McDonell - During the
course of planning for upgrades to the original plumbing at McDonell, it was decided that we need
to have a handicap accessible bathroom. In order to be up to code we need to have two of these
restrooms. The bids have come in for this project and it will cost $25,000 per bathroom. This is an
important upgrade to our building.
Project Number Two: Teacher Salary Fund - The faculty at the Chippewa Area Catholic
Schools are the lowest paid in the Diocese of La Crosse. Our faculty deserve better. They are highly
educated and dedicated to their profession and to our students. We have established a fund
that will have the sole purpose of supplementing salary increases for our faculty. Not only does
our current faculty need to be properly compensated for their tremendous efforts, but it is also
imperative that we be able to compete with other schools within our Diocese for new faculty. It is
estimated that the Chippewa Area Catholic Schools will lose 1/3 of their faculty within the next five
to seven years due to retirement. Our students deserve the best teachers and a competitive pay
scale will help us attract and retain excellent faculty.
Thank you for considering a donation to these special projects.
From the Director
Jenny Schafer
keep up with the demand. President Brother
Roger and I are putting the finishing touches on
a new tuition assistance program called Adopta-Student.
This program will allow students to
apply for a scholarship to attend the Chippewa
Area Catholic Schools. Our donors will receive
updates throughout the year on the students’
progress (the names of all parties will be kept
anonymous). Donors will be able to sponsor a
student for a year or several years. If you are interested
in this program, please contact me at 715.723.0538 ext
3306 to discuss details and giving options.
Remember, a Catholic education is a gift that will last
a lifetime. Please prayerfully consider giving a gift of $25
for One Day or a gift of $125 for One Week of education.
Remember, One Day can make a difference in someone’s
life.
God Bless
Development News 9
Important Alumni
Information
Alumni Banquet Changes - Due to an oversight on
our part, we have had to make a change for our annual
McDonell Alumni Association Banquet. Therefore, for this
year, we will be holding the banquet in conjunction with
the Baccalaureate Mass for our graduating seniors and their
families. The date is Wednesday, May 25th. The dinner
will be held at the Notre Dame Parish Life Center, which is
the previous Notre Dame Parish Middle School building.
Baccalaureate Mass to follow at the Church of Notre Dame.
If you are out of the area and would like to attend the
banquet, please contact Jenny Schafer at 715.723.0538 ext.
3306 for seating availability.
Hall of Fame - Now a bi-annual event. Please consider
nominating an outstanding alum for induction into the
McDonell High School Hall of Fame. The categories are
for outstanding athletic accomplishments, either while at
McDonell and/or beyond, or for exceptional service and/or
achievements in their community. Nomination forms can
be submitted at any time and can be found on our website
at www.cacs.k12.wi.us/development.
Homecoming Weekend - September 23rd and 24th.
Mark your calendars and come home to celebrate with us.
Join us for the football game on Friday night, with tailgating
and trivia games afterwards. Saturday festivities have not
been finalized yet, but will include an evening gathering.
Please join us for the tradition of an alumni homecoming!

10 Alumni News
1920s
= Josephine “Jo” Felix Wescott,
class of 1928, passed away at
the age of 100. She has resided
in the beautiful state of Oregon
for the last 49 years. She was
the daughter of Louis and
Marion Felix. She married Albert
“Manny” Wescott, who preceded
her in death in 1962. She is
survived by her two daughters,
Jacqueline Wescott Boehm ’53
and Joan Wescott Chirhart ’59.
1940s
= Louise Frederick Kastel,
class of 1940, passed away on
November 12, 2009.
= Robert V. Connell, class of
1944 entered into eternal rest
on Sunday, October 17, 2010
at Trumball Memorial Hospital
in Newton Falls, Ohio. He
was the son of Valentine and
Angeline ’14 (Frenette ) Connell.
Robert was a WWII veteran
with the US Navy. He was
married to Germaine Albrecht
in 1946. Robert resided in the
Newton Falls area since 1953.
He is survived by his daughter
Christine and sons Thomas
(Lisa) and Valentine (Laurent),
five grandchildren and one
sister, Marguerite “Skipper” ’50
Connell Rank. He was preceded
in death by his parents, his wife,
his brother Jim ’36 and his sisters
Pat ’39 (Connell) Murphy, Jean
(Connell) Murphy and Connie
’48 (Connell) Weber.
= Geraldine I. (Steinmetz)
Ostwald Kass, class of 1948,
passed away on Sunday January
2, 2011. She graduated from
nursing school at St. Joseph’s
in Marshfield and worked as
a registered nurse for several
hospitals and for 30 years at
the Northern Center for the
Developmentally Disabled.
She is survived by her second
husband, Richard Kass, her
two sons, David (Johanna)
and William (Mary), and one
daughter, Mary Patrow, five step
children, two brothers Frank
’50 (Charlene) and Richard ’52
(Barb) both of Chippewa Falls,
seven grandchildren, and one
great granddaughter. She
was preceded in death by
REUNIONS www.cacs.k12.wi.us/alumni_2.html
Class of 1946 – 65th Reunion!
August 20, 2011 at Avalon
There will be a 4:00 p.m. Mass at St. Charles Borromeo
Parish preceding the reunion. There will be letters sent out
with all of the information. Please keep this date open. See
you there!
Class of 1951 - 60th Reunion
August 6, 2011 at Tom and Donna Wall’s followed with dinner at
the High Shores Supper Club. For information: Carol Kaiser Tichey
@ 715.723.2417 or Carol Zdrazil Gutsch @ CFGutsch@MSN.com
Class of 1955 - We had a great reunion at Oktoberfest
last fall. The Oktoberfest Committee let us use Fest Hall for
no cost and said they would like to see more class reunions
and other groups use the facility. Holy Ghost catered the
entrée and did a super job. The dessert was brought in by
St. Simeons Church in LaFayette. And we got pretzels from
the Cook- Rutledge booth. Forty-two attended.
Class of 1966 - 45th Reunion
October 14, 2011 at Loopies on Business 29 - 6:00 p.m.
Contact Gary Korger at 715.723.8297 or Kathy (Boos) Dachel
715.723.5382 email dachl1949@charter.net
Class of 1991 - 20 year class reunion. Date is set for
Saturday, July 30th. Contact Jenifer (Frenette) Dunn by
email: jeniferd@charter.net for more information.
Class Notes
Please send us your Class Notes.
tel: (715) 723.0538
eml: MackMessenger@cacs.k12.wi.us
Write: Development & Alumni Relations Office,
1316 Bel Air Blvd., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
her first husband for 42 years,
Paul Ostwald, in 1993, and her
parents.
1950s
= JoAn M. (Trauba) O’Brien,
class of 1950 passed away on
October 26, 2010 after a long
and courageous battle with
COPD and Alzheimer’s. JoAn was
a nurse, including a private duty
nurse in Madison. She ended
her career as the Public Health
Nurse at Hazelton/Covance in
Madison. She is survived by her
spouse Denny and their three
children, Terry, Michele and Tim
(Luigi Zappa), six grandchildren
and two great-grandchildren,
along with her two brothers
Robert ‘44 and Richard ’54 (Mary)
and sister in-law Doris Trauba.
She was preceded in death by
her parents and her brother
Charles Trauba.
= Earl W. Rank, class of 1952,
passed away on January 28,
2011. He was surrounded by
his family, including the love
of his life, Marguerite “Skipper”
’50 Connell. He worked at the
Chippewa Shoe Co. for over 33
years and was also a bartender
at Connell’s Supper Club, in
addition to working at Amoco
for 10 years and at the Northern
Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. He
is survived by his wife Skipper,
two daughters Margo (Larry)
Greene and Lauri Bolster, his
sister Betty (Rank) Price, two
brothers Richard ’60 (Pat) and
Doug ’69, two grandaughters
and many loving nieces and
nephews. He was preceded in
death by his parents.
= Yvonne “Vonnie” (Gettler)
Doucette, class of 1953, passed
away on Tuesday, February 15,
2011 after a courageous battle
with pulmonary disease. She
married Gene Doucette ’51 in
October of 1955 and together
they raised six children. She
is survived by her husband,
her children Keith (Anna),
Michele (Kim) Kaiser, Patrice
(Ryan) Nelson, Daniel (Julie)
and Denise (Todd), along with
15 grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren. She is also
survived by her siblings Dolores
’53 (Gettler) Collins, Darlene
‘58 (Gettler) Borton, Carole ‘60
(Gettler) Marsolek and Louise
’55. She was preceded in death
by her parents, her son Mark in
1998, and her siblings Joseph
in infancy, Joyce Gettler, Norma
Gettler, Bernard Gettler, Marie
Krause and Dorothy ’43 (Gettler)
Figlmiller.
= Mary Lu (Winkler) Monarski,
class of 1953, passed away on
March 2, 2011. She married
Robert Monarski ’51 in 1957
and worked as a second grade
teacher at Notre Dame Grade
School where she helped
numerous students prepare
for their sacraments. She was
also a founding member of
Holy Family Church in Newark,
Delaware. She is survived by
her husband Robert, her sons
Paul, Tom (Joanne) and Steve
(Lisa) and daughter Ann, along
with six grandchildren and
three great-grandchildren. Also
surviving Mary Lu are her halfsiblings,
Linda and James Winker
of Indiana. She was preceded in
death by her parents and her
children Michael, Daniel, David
and Matthew.
= Marvin J. Tanzer, class of 1953,
passed away on Sunday, March
27, 2011. He was surrounded by
his family, including his wife of
52 years, Rita ’52 (Zwiefelhofer),
his two sons Jim ’77 (Nancy) and
Scott ’84 (Shannon) and his five
daughters, Tammy ’79 (Steve)
Mohr, Cindy ’80 (Jim) McCombs,
Carla ’87 (Greg) Rubenzer, Terri
’95 (Brian ’95) Potter and Jayne
’81 Erickson. He is also survived
by 19 grandchildren and one
great-grandson. Marvin is
survived by his three sisters, Pat
‘54 Walther, Beverly ’58 (Larry)
Bresina and Karen ’66 (Don)
Ellison. He was preceded in
death by his parents, Bernard
and Rose Tanzer, and one
brother in-law, Bruce Walther.
= Edna M. (Atkinson) Swoboda,
class of 1957, passed away on
Tuesday, November 16, 2010.
She married Bernard Swoboda in
1959 and worked at St. Joseph’s
Hospital for many years. She is
survived by four sons, Anthony
(Debbie), Scott (Celeste), Curt
(Debbie) and Nic (Jennifer), one
daughter Annette Swoboda,
three brothers, Frank (Jan),
Dick (Pam) and Edward Jr, two
sisters Eloda Birch and Sharon
Bergeron. She is also survived
by 13 grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren. She was
preceded in death by her
parents, her husband and one
son, Michael.
1960s
= Larry P. Pinter, class of 1961,
passed away on Saturday,
November 6, 2010. Larry was the
oldest son of Roman and Erna
Pinter. Larry was proud to say he
worked for Kohl’s Department
Stores for 31 years at various
stores in Wisconsin, retiring as a
District Manager. He is survived
by his wife of 34 years, Marlene,
three sons, Brian (Becky), Erik
(Jenny) and Karl (Erin), along
with two grandchildren and
one brother, Ray ’64. He was
preceded in death by his parents
and one sister, Darlene.
= Chris Nelson Manglos,
class of 1969, passed away
peacefully surrounded by family
on Wednesday March 2, 2011
after a courageous battle with
cancer. She is survived by her
sons, Lew and Arthur (Andy)
Maglos, two grandchildren, two
sisters Cathleen ’71 (Nelson)
Coyle and Denise Jensen along
with four brothers Mike, Patrick,
Tim and Brian Jensen and many
nieces and nephews. She
was preceded in death by her
parents, Arthur and Kathryn
Nelson and two brothers, Jimmy
and Dana Jensen.
continue to page 11

CLASS NOTES continued from page 10
2000s
Pam Martin from Magnolia,
Texas and Jason August ’01,
originally from Chippewa Falls,
were married on April 23, 2011
in Dripping Springs, Texas.
Pam has a BS degree in
aeronautical engineering
and works at mission control
for NASA. Jason has a BS in
mechanical engineering and
also works in mission control for
NASA.
April Webb and Joel Jansky
’03 were married on February
26, 2011. Parents of the bride
are Jeanine and William Webb
of Holcombe and parents of
the groom are Patricia and
Leroy Jansky of Chippewa Falls.
April is pursuing a degree in
radiology and is employed at
Luther Hospital. Joel has an
electromechanical technology
degree and works at ConAgra.
Samuel Rubenzer, Class of
2007, graduated from UW-Eau
Claire Magna Cum Laude with
a Bachelor’s Degree in Business
Finance on December 18, 2010.
He is working for Northwestern
Mutual Financial Network
in Eau Claire as a financial
representative.
Rachel Deetz ’09 and Alex Bowe
‘08 announce their engagement.
Rachel has a nursing degree
from Chippewa Valley Technical
College and works at ResCare
HomeCare. Alex has a degree
from UW Madison of Agricultural
and Life Sciences and works
at Dayleen Holstein as a self
employed farmer. A June 18,
2011 wedding is planned at Holy
Ghost Parish in Chippewa Falls.
Friends of McDonell
Kimberly Rada and Jarrod Rude
were married on April 9, 2011 at
Christ Lutheran Church. Parents
of the bride are John ’75 and
Sue Rada and Tammy and Bill
Howard, all of Chippewa Falls.
Parents of the groom are Jerome
Rude of Chippewa Falls and
Kathy and Frank Schraufnagel of
Glidden.
= Margee Donndelinger passed
away on Tuesday, February 1,
2011. She was the wife of Pete
Donndelinger, former science
teacher at McDonell High
School in the 80’s and early 90’s
and 2010 Hall of Fame Inductee.
She is survived by Pete and their
three children, Stephen (Kelly),
Patricia and Catherine, her
parents, William & Doris Stuber,
eleven siblings and several
nieces and nephews.
= Norman P. Eslinger passed
away Tuesday, December 28,
2010. He is survived by one
daughter, Cheryl ’64 (Eslinger)
Chacka and her husband Lyle,
one brother, Allan and two
grandsons Brian and David. He
was preceded in death by his
first wife, Cecelia “Tela” (Lambert)
and his second wife, Annabelle
Korbel, one infant son James
and his parents.
= Leo Richard “Dick” Hamilton
passed away on Sunday,
December 26, 2010. He married
Irene “Sis” ’47 (Fliehr) in 1951.
He is survived by his wife, two
sons Joseph ‘70 and Stephen
and their spouses, along with
his daughter Ann Dachel, his
sisters in-law Dolores ’45 (Fliehr)
Meinen and Joanne ’56 (Fliehr)
Anderson, his brother in law
Thomas Fliehr, six grandchildren
and numerous nieces, nephews
and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death
by his parents, one sister Rita
Krebsbach, one brother inlaw
Edward Meinen ’45, one
sister in law Jeanne Fliehr and
on granddaughter Lisa Marie
Hamilton.
= Deborah M. Hazelton passed
away on Tuesday, January 11,
2011. She is survived by Rick
Hazelton, the father of their
children, her daughter Tamara
(Kenneth) Fabian and two
sons, Richard (Kelly) and Derek
(Elizabeth) Roshell, her mother
Gladys ’51 (Jasper) Thibedeau
and three brothers, Doug (Lou),
Bob ’80 (Karmin) and Joe (Amy),
two sisters, Paula (Jeff) Kvapil
and Jeanne Thibedeau, seven
grandchildren, her best friend
and companion Keith Homeier
and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by
her father, Roy Thibedeau, and
one sister Donna.
= Elmo F. Korn passed away on
Sunday, January 2, 2011. He is
survived by his sons Thomas and
William (Cheryl ’68 Martin), one
brother Neil Korn and one sister
Jeanne (Francis) Lancour and his
two grandchildren, Daniel and
Karen. He was preceded in death
by his wife Harriet (Thomas), his
parent, four brothers, Leonard,
Wayne, Cliff and Alvin and his
two sisters Delores ’30 (Korn)
Benson and Dorothy ’33 (Korn)
Murphy.
= Monica M. (Benesh) Loew
passed away on Saturday, April
2, 2011 at the age of 92. She
was a graduate of Regis High
School and a member of Notre
Dame Parish. She is survived by
her daughter, Ann Loew ’66. She
was preceded in death by her
husband Willis, her parents and
two sisters, Dorothy and Cecilia
Benesh.
= Dr. Douglas K. Nehs,
optometrist, passed away
Thursday October 21, 2010.
He is survived by his loving
wife of 54 years, Mary Jane ’54
(Schalla) and their children
Steven, Patricia, Thomas and
Michael. He is also survived by
seven grandchildren, four greatgrandchildren,
his brother and
his sister and numerous nieces
and nephews. He was preceded
in death by brother Jack Nehs.
= Darlene E. (Johnson) Schulz
passed away on Saturday,
January 22, 2011. She is
survived by her husband Don,
their three sons Bill ’80 (Dotty),
Jim ’82 and Steve and their
daughter Sandy ’86 (Cory)
McIlquham, nine grandchildren
and several great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by
her parents.
= Mark J. Thornton passed
away Saturday, October 30,
2010. He was the son of the
late John “Jack” and Mary ’53
(Kuechenmeister) Thornton.
Mark is survived by his wife,
Kathy, two sons Craig (Jackie)
and Dan (Sarah), one daughter
Nicole (Jamie) Schlageter, four
grandsons and his mother. He
is also survived by two brothers,
Matthew and John Jr. ’96, and
five sisters Nancy ’72 Thornton,
Sandra ’77 (Denis) Winrich,
Mary Kay (Derek) Else, Catherine
’86 (Kurt) Mercer, and Theresa
Alumni News 11
McDonell class of 1960 celebrating “50”
Front row from left: Jeanne (Gelina) Pracht, Sue (Onsager) Meinen, Jean (Peloquin) Michaud,
Jean (Deuel) Van Valin, Susan (Klaes) Zimmerman, Dian (Sullivan) Fjelstad, Charmaine (Geissler)
Gonyea, Kathy (Kreiling) Bollom.
Second Row: Patricia (Haley) Koppelman, Ruth (Nicolai) Hagedorn, Kathleen (Hassemer) Trippler,
Karen (Harman) Larson, Carol Lee (Krejci) Somoczyk, Joanne (Bowe) Leonard, Joyce (Stohr)
Larkowski, Kathy (Derks) Haselwander.
Third Row: Larry Lanners, Sharon (Kaiser) High, Rita (Martin) Erickson, Carol (Gettler) Marsolek,
Mary (Molitor) Henderson, Joseph Janc, Eugene Vavra, Richard Rank.
Back two rows: Tom Knudsen, Pat Anderson, Robert Lloyd, Larry Werner, John Rasmus,
Clarence Stoffel, John Hillery, LaVerne Schreiner, Sam Calkins, Bill Piotrowski, Bruce Behnke.
On Sept 17-18, 2010 members of the Class of 1960 gathered in Chippewa Falls at the Heyde Center
for a Mark Twain presentation, Fill-Inn Station for an informal get together and Wissota Golf for
a buffet dinner. The 50th class reunion classmates enjoyed the following skits: Sister Mary George
giving out detentions and the Great Karnak providing answers to the questions sealed in envelopes
found in Sister Cungedunda’s hope chest. Committee members were John Hillery, Joe Janc, Joanne
Bowe, Diane Sullivan, Kathy Kreiling, Carol Lee Krejci and Charmaine Geissler.
Thornton, along with his mother
in-law, Gladys Konwinski. He
was preceded in death by his
father and his father in-law.
= Warren Allen “Wormy”
Wermund, passed away on
Tuesday December 7, 2010 at
the age of 83 after 26 years of
living positively and gracefully
with cancer. He married Virginia
Schemenauer in 1947 and they
were blessed with 63 years of
marriage. He is survived by his
wife Virginia, their six children,
Lyle (Sue), Ann ’70 (Clark
‘70) Loeffel, Dave ’73, Steve
’75 (Marcie), Mary ’78 (Jerry)
Jacobson and Jane ’79 (Jim) Ford,
along with ten grandchildren
and three great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by a
special niece, Grace Ann (Jan)
VanDreser, several sisters-inlaw
and brothers-in-law and
numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his
parents and his in-laws, his great
granddaughter Aria Wermund,
his sister and brother in-law
Eleanor and William Waege, his
brother Lloyd and sister in-law
Florence.

Chippewa Area
Catholic Schools
Development & Alumni Relations
1316 Bel Air Blvd., Chippewa Falls,
WI 54729
McDonell Central Catholic High
Notre Dame Middle
Holy Ghost Elementary
St. Charles Borromeo Primary
Childcare, 3Pre and BB4C
www.cacs.k12.wi.us
In This Issue:
Alumni Spotlight . . . . . . 1 & 3
Katia (Horn) Hauser Class of 1993 Mack
Message from the Dean . . . 2
Sports
Summaries
6 - 7
Message from CACS President
and McDonell Principal . . . . 5
Excellence in Education . . . 5
2011 Unsung
Hero Award
Mary Jacobson
Class of 1978
Message from Director of
Development . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Class Notes . . . . . . . . . 10 - 11
MACK M. August Issue:
McDonell Musical
“The Sound of Music”
Music Trip to Chicago
Graduation
Alumni Spotlight:
Shelley Coughlin
McDonell senior feature:
Brittney Steiger
Alumni Class Notes
Reunion photos
McDonell Graduation
Streaming LIVE on the internet
Thursday, June 2, 2011
7:30 p.m. @ www.cacs.k12.wi.us
Follow us on Facebook:
Chippewa Area Catholic Schools
McDonell Central High School Alumni
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Eau Claire, WI
Permit #2000
Mack QUALITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
EDUCATION SINCE 1882
Messenger
www.cacs.k12.wi.us
News For McDonell Alumni, Chippewa Area Catholic Schools Families, Friends and Supporters
winter/spring 2011
The Sound of Music - McDonell Musical 2011
January 28th, 29th and 30th, 2011
Student Cast - The Sound of Music
The Mother Abbess- Eniko Dros
Sister Berthe- Shelly Sarauer
Sister Margaretta- Yeajin Kim
Sister Sophia- Samy Sarauer
Captain George von Trapp-Jacob Eslinger
Franz- Paul Buchmann
Frau Schmidt- Shelly Sarauer
Liesl von Trapp-J eanne Kuehl
Friedrich von Trapp- Frankie Rineck
Louisa von Trapp- Anna Rasmus
Kurt von Trapp- Evan Smith
Brigitta von Trapp- Marilyn Newton
Marta von Trapp- Zoe Takle
Gretl von Trapp- Samantha Wirtz
Rolf Gruber- Jerry Anders
Elsa Schraeder- Abigail Wild
Max Detweiler- Sonny Amelse
Herr Zeller- Dakota Larson
Baron Elberfeld- Robbi Gehl
Barron-Tanner Dusick
Admiral von Schreiber- Kyle Greenseth
Sisters- Alainia MacNicol, Emily Finnessy,
Ji Young Park, Claire Buchmann, Emma
Murphy, Dawn Paukner, Autumn Bresina,
Victoria Broses, Larken Borofka
Novice- Tatiana Broses, Jenna Larson,
Rachel Kopp, Meredith Pomietlo, Molly
Schwandt, Taya Kremer
Music Trip to Chicago!
United in
Faith
and Mission
Look in our upcoming August addition of the Mack
Messenger for photos of the 30th consecutive production of
McDonell Musicals, The Sound of Music.
Director: Sue Decker
Scenic/Publicity Director: Carol Way.
Vocal Music Director: Emily Klotz,
Orchestra Director: Joe Hartson and many other adults are
working with costuming, carpentry, technical support and
orchestra. It takes all of these people to make McDonell
musicals a success!
The McDonell Bands and Choirs students traveled to Chicago
during mid-winter break. This four day and three nights was
an experience which happens only once every four years at
McDonell. The Music Boosters are proud to have supported
this trip donating over $11,000 to keep it affordable for the
students and chaperones that attended.
Follow the 39 students, teachers and chaperones during the
trip by viewing CACS MUSIC CHICAGO website and blog
http://cacsmusicchicago.wordpress.com/
Highlights of the trip included:
Performing for the students at the Howland Charter School
Performing at the Field Museum
Vandercook Clinics - School of Music
Les Miserables - Cadillac Palace Theatre
Mass at Holy Name Cathedral
Art Institute and Millenium Park
Shedd Aquarium
Willis Tower at night in the FOG
Ed Debevic’s